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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
I just acquired this item and the seller told me he bought it as a Nazi Army compass while traveling in Romania several years ago: As a point of reference the case is about 70MM in diameter and about 40MM deep.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
I suspect this is a forestry item due to the stags head on the front of the case:
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
Each of the clasps that hold the case closed are topped with small swastikas:
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
The interior of the case which is lined with a leather like material does contain a compass which I suspect is of a later date:
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
This is the back of the case that I included so you could see the even patination throughout. I'm interested in opinions!
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
I'm bringing this back to the top in the hopes that someone wil have some information or at least an opinion about this item.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 452 Likes: 1
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 452 Likes: 1 |
OK Jim, I'll offer my opinion, but I got nothin' concrete...
First, looks cool...never saw anything like it (and I have been collecting forestry stuff for some time).
Second, I would agree that the interior leather and compass are probably new.
Third I like the patina, however, I think there are an excessive number of swastikas spotted around the design ( looks just a little random & "overdone" to me).
Fourth, this particular hirsch head is proper and traditional for a hunting piece in many European countries. The swas hanging off the bottom of the neck is IMO a nice design but, again, sort of hangs out there.
Lastly, not knowing a whole lot about period compasses etc., this configuration looks a lot
like some private purchase German pocket tobacco cans that I've seen.
I'll be surprised if anyone can give you a definite ID on this thing... but, whether new or old , it's neat!
Roger
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
foxart:
Thank you for your reply.
I re-examined this very closely under magnification and can add the following informtion:
The swastika and stag head on the front are one piece and are applied i.e. not formed from the lid of the case.
The two latches on the side certainly make opening the case easier. The one on the side of the top lid is a separate piece. The swastika is crimped into the base and then the base was soldered? to the lid. The lower one was formed in one piece than again apparentely soldered?
to the base. Again; having two of them certainly make opening the case easier.
Because of the evenness of the patination and the consistency of wear exhibited I do believe the case itself was all created at the same time.
Your idea of it being originally a tobacco can certainly is plausible.
I will be bringing this to the MAX this year as others have requested that I do so. If you're there you will be more than welcome to examine it first hand.
Jim
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,980 Likes: 4
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,980 Likes: 4 |
Jim,
A nice, unusual piece ... possibly homemade by the owner?
Roger,
Great observations, thanks for that.
Best regards!
Bill
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,229 Likes: 1
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,229 Likes: 1 |
I agree with everything that was said. Unusual item whatever it is.
MAX & OVMS Life Member, MAX Bd. of Experts. GDC Platinum Dealer. Collector since 1955.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1
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OP
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 7,259 Likes: 1 |
I was able to get one additional photo of the top of the lid from the seller:
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